Breaking: Dayton Sports Superfan Dies At 67 In Dayton, Was a Man Of Few Words That Lived His Best Life
Andre Owings, a dedicated sports superfan from the Dayton area who was featured by the Dayton Daily News twice, passed away on August 8 at the age of 67 in Dayton.
His obituary described Owings as a man of few words who lived life authentically. He enjoyed independent thinking, often dismantling and reassembling equipment to understand how it worked. A passionate sports enthusiast, he loved playing tennis and watching various sports both in person and on TV.
Owings was a familiar presence at sporting events throughout the Dayton area and was recognized as the top fan of Dayton Public Schools. He regularly attended University of Dayton Flyers games and shared a heartfelt farewell with his brother through a final “fist bump.”
Fans from UD remembered Owings fondly, paying tribute to him on social media. One fan said, “Andre was and is a great part of the UD football tradition. May he rest in peace.” Another, Mike Monnier, recalled, “He would always stop by our tailgate before the game, grabbing a hot dog and a cold drink like family.” Adam Gutheil added, “Andre is forever a legend in Dayton. Rest in peace to a true king.”
Bucky Albers first wrote about Owings in 1988 in a column titled “Andre is a giant Dayton fan,” highlighting his vibrant presence at Welcome Stadium. He described Owings as running along the track with his cape flowing, saying, “You can’t miss Andre. His act is unique.”
In 2000, columnist Tom Archdeacon noted Owings’ continuous involvement at UD football games. Jim Wheeler, head of concessions at Welcome Stadium, remarked, “He’s got all kinds of special routines. During the national anthem, he might direct the band or join the cheerleaders. After games, he’d often take the PA microphone to thank the crowd in his deep voice, saying, ‘Thank you for coming. Drive safely on the way home.’”
A Dayton sports superfan died last week at 67. Tom Archdeacon told the story of Andre Owings in 2000. https://t.co/0ODatc8L8r pic.twitter.com/TvM7DAASG0
— David Jablonski (@DavidPJablonski) August 15, 2024
Owings frequently attended UD soccer and volleyball matches, Dayton Public Schools football games, and basketball games at his alma mater, Colonel White, before it closed in 2008. He also supported various baseball and softball events across Dayton.
“Andre has been a staple here over the years,” remarked former UD football coach Mike Kelly. “I don’t know exactly when or how it happened, but I’d feel a bit lost on the sidelines without him.”
Owings was deeply knowledgeable about the teams he followed, having closely studied their performances. “I get up at noon and read the sports section of the newspaper,” he shared with Archdeacon in 2000.
In his final months, Owings resided at the Sienna Woods Skilled Nursing Facility. He was predeceased by his parents, George Owings Sr. and Octavia Mitchell Owings, as well as his brother George Owings Jr.
He is survived by his brother Richard (Vermelle) Owings Sr., sister Sarah Owings, nephews Kenneth (Sjoukie) Washington Sr. and Richard Owings Jr., niece Katina Hill, seven grandnieces, four grandnephews, two great-grandnieces, two great-grandnephews, aunt Catherine Curry, and many cousins and friends.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at the House of Wheat Funeral Home in Dayton, with visitation from 9-11 a.m. and family receiving friends from 10-11 a.m.
